Maryland
Maryland Veteran Benefits at a Glance
This page tracks 22 Maryland state veteran benefits across 9 categories: property tax exemptions, income tax breaks, vehicle and registration benefits, education benefits, employment benefits, hunting and fishing benefits, healthcare benefits, free stuff and parks benefits, and other benefits. Many of these benefits depend on your VA disability rating, so each one is tagged with the rating it requires — use the filter below to see only the benefits you qualify for. The official source is the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, and the figures on this page were last verified on March 9, 2026.
On property taxes, Maryland offers 2 programs for veterans, including the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption and County Property Tax Credits for Partially Disabled Veterans; for state income tax, it provides Military Retirement Pay Exemption and VA Disability Compensation Tax-Free; and on education benefits, there are 4 benefits such as the Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship.
Filter by Disability Rating
Property Tax
2 benefitsDisabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled by the VA receive a full exemption from real property taxes on their primary residence.
County Property Tax Credits for Partially Disabled Veterans
Some Maryland counties offer local property tax credits for partially disabled veterans. Benefits vary by county.
Contact your county tax office to determine availability and amounts. Not all counties participate.
Income Tax
2 benefitsMilitary Retirement Pay Exemption
Maryland exempts up to $20,000 (under 55) or $40,000 (55+) of military retirement income from state income tax per SB 99.
VA Disability Compensation Tax-Free
VA disability compensation is completely exempt from Maryland state income tax under federal law.
Vehicle / Registration
2 benefitsDisabled Veteran License Plates
Free disabled veteran plates for veterans with a service-connected disability. Veterans with 100% disability are also exempt from registration fees and excise tax.
Military Specialty License Plates
Specialty plates available for veterans including Veteran, Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, POW, and branch-specific designs.
Education
4 benefitsEdward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship
Covers tuition and fees at Maryland public institutions (or equivalent at private) for up to 5 years for children and spouses of veterans who died or are 100% disabled from service, POW/MIA dependents, and disabled veterans themselves.
Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship
Up to $9,308 per year at Maryland institutions for Maryland residents who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflicts.
Maryland National Guard Tuition Assistance
Active Maryland National Guard members receive 50% tuition assistance at Maryland public institutions.
In-State Tuition for Veterans
Veterans receive in-state tuition at Maryland public institutions regardless of residency status under federal Section 702 compliance.
Employment
3 benefitsState Veteran Hiring Preference
Veterans receive preference in Maryland state employment. Disabled veterans receive additional preference beyond the standard veteran preference.
Maryland Workforce Exchange Veteran Services
Priority of service at American Job Centers with dedicated Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists.
Professional License Reciprocity
Maryland recognizes military experience toward professional licensing requirements and offers expedited licensing for veterans and military spouses.
Hunting & Fishing
1 benefitDisabled Veteran Free Hunting and Fishing License
Veterans with 100% service-connected disability receive free hunting and fishing licenses. Partially disabled veterans may qualify for reduced-fee licenses.
Healthcare
3 benefitsVA Medical Centers in Maryland
VA healthcare available through the Baltimore VA Maryland Healthcare System and Perry Point campus, with proximity to the Washington DC VA Medical Center.
Charlotte Hall Veterans Home
State-run veterans home in Charlotte Hall, MD providing assisted living and skilled nursing care for eligible veterans.
Vet Centers Readjustment Counseling
Vet Centers in Annapolis, Baltimore, Cambridge, Elkridge, Germantown, and Silver Spring provide readjustment counseling and mental health services.
Free Stuff & Parks
2 benefitsFree State Parks on Veterans Day
All veterans receive free day-use access at Maryland state parks on Veterans Day. Disabled veterans may also purchase an annual passport at a reduced rate.
Free Veteran Designation on Driver's License
Honorably discharged veterans can add a "VETERAN" designation to their Maryland driver's license or state ID card.
Other Benefits
3 benefitsMaryland DVA Claims Assistance
Free VA claims assistance through veteran service representatives at the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs.
Maryland State Veterans Cemeteries
Free burial at five state veterans cemeteries: Cheltenham, Crownsville, Eastern Shore, Garrison Forest, and Rocky Gap.
Military Leave for State Employees
Maryland state employees receive 15 days of paid military leave per year.